TerraOpsDemo Mining Group
Conveyor Route Study
Mhlabeni Coal Mine — Mining Area A → Wash Plant
2–8 September 2026
Prepared 7 Sep 2026 by James Dlamini
Current situation
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start location | Mining Area A |
| Destination | Wash Plant |
| Today | Coal is moved by truck over about 21 km. |
| Study type | Conveyor route study |
Route comparison
| Route | Distance | Future mine conflict | Terrain | Water crossings | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route A | 9.4 km | High | Medium | 3 | Good distance, but may conflict with future mining. |
| Route B (recommended) | 10.8 km | Low | Low | 1 | Best balance of distance, terrain and future mine activity. |
| Route C | 12.1 km | Low | Medium | 2 | Lower new land impact, but likely more expensive to build. |
Route details
Route A — Shortest route
Distance: 9.4 km
Benefits: Shortest distance; Simple connection to the Wash Plant
Concerns: Crosses future Mining Area B; More operational disruption risk
Route B — Recommended
Distance: 10.8 km
Benefits: Avoids known future mining area; Gentler terrain; Fewer water crossings; Good access for future maintenance
Concerns: Slightly longer than Route A
Route C — Lowest new land disturbance
Distance: 12.1 km
Benefits: Uses more already-disturbed land; Avoids rehabilitation area
Concerns: Longest route; More infrastructure required
Why Route B is recommended
- 1It avoids the known future mining area.
- 2It has gentler terrain.
- 3It has fewer water crossings.
- 4It gives good access for maintenance.
- 5It makes a reasonable connection to the Wash Plant.
Early economics
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance moved today | About 21 km by truck |
| Route B distance | About 10.8 km |
| Early indication | A conveyor could cost less to run than trucking over time. |
Next recommended step
- 1Send Route B for engineering feasibility review.
This is an early planning study. Detailed engineering, surveys and approvals are still required.